Visa Formalities
Other than Indian, Maldivian and Bangladesh nationals, all visitors to Bhutan require a visa. Thoesam Tours and Trekking will process and arrange for visa on your behalf.
All that we require is your Passport copy in color and JPEG format.
Once we have the passport copy, we will fill out the visa application forms on your behalf. It may be kindly be noted that the tour payment has to be sent in advance. Tourism Council of Bhutan will not process for visa clearance without the payment.
Original visa is stamped on arrival ports either at Paro if arriving by Druk Air or at Phuntsholing if arriving by surface through India on payment of US dollar 40 per person for a 14 day visa. The duration can be further extended paying additional fee of US$15. Visa fees have to been in US currency notes.
Customs/Baggage
All visitors are required to complete the customs form upon arrival at Paro or if by surface at Phuntsholing. The following articles are exempted from custom duty :
- Personal effects of day to day use
- 2 liters of alcohol.
- Instruments, appliances or apparatus of professional uses.
- Cameras, video-digital cameras.
Those articles described in section 3) and 4) must be declared in the custom form. If these items are disposed off in Bhutan by sale or gift they become liable for customs duty.
Strictly Prohibited items
Import and export of arms and ammunition, explosives, narcotic and drugs, and wildlife products and antiques. Only one cartoon of cigarettes are allowed on declaration to the customs and on payment of 100% duty.
Imports of plants, seed, soil etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival.
Note: Visitors are advised to be cautious when purchasing old/used items. Customs officials will not allow such items to be taken out of the country if they have not been certified as non- antique.